Epson HOME CINEMA 8700UB-R projector details:

Along with the latest D7 chip set, the Epson 8700UB-R (Manufacturer Refurbished) projector adds C2Fine and UltraBlack(TM) technology for superb black levels and vivid images. Further boosting black levels, the Home Cinema 8700 UB includes brightness of 1,600 lumens color and light output and new dual-layered auto iris technology, allowing for an impressive contrast ratio of up to 200,000:1. As a result, the projector controls light intensity more effectively, causing dark images to appear even darker and blacks to appear even richer and deeper.

The Epson 8700UB-R (Manufacturer Refurbished) projector also features Epson's new Super-resolution(TM) technology to create a sharper, more detailed picture resolution ideal for broadcast signal noise reduction or enhancing the quality of poor DVD transfers. Super-resolution technology improves the resolution of a blurred image, allowing consumers to fully enjoy high-definition quality at all times. Epson has also added new real color reproduction capabilities, which delivers more natural and precise colors, allowing viewers to experience the true-to-life colors filmmakers intended.

I have a small to medium room I used as my media room and this works awesome. I only wish my room was bigger so I could utilize the projector more. I have a 100" screen but this bad boy has the potential to do more. The quality of sharpness, color, darks, etc. is awesome. You can select through several picture presets to get the picture you want or you can customize your own. You can use this in a room with or without ambient light. Once the lamp is warmed up ambient light is not an issue. Of course it looks better in a completely dark room but not everyone has that option. I find the specs and the quality of this unit to be better than a lot that cost more. So taking that into consideration and if you are beginner or just on a budget, then this is the projector for you. The machine is quiet and set up is easy.

This projector is perfect for my 106" VAPEX screen (I could have went even bigger). Even at close seating (8'-10'), the picture is super clear and the color pops even in ECO mode. I am not a pro by any means, but out of the box, the picture was great, I usd the Disney WOW BD to tweak it. Everyone cannot believe the great picture that big!

Looking at reviews and comparisons (and provided you don't need or want 3D) the Epson 8700UB is still one of the best options available – getting it as a factory-refurbished model with full backing by Epson (and at a price significantly less than current models), makes it even better.

I wont go into the 8700UB's specifics; there are reviews out there for that. What I will say is that you'd never know this is a refurbished model. It looks and operates as brand new, not a blemish on it. It also comes with a full Epson 2-year warranty, just like new, which exceeds the warranty that comes with some brand new competitor models. Its also refurbished by Epson themselves, so its back to spec and some would say better than spec, since the refurbishing process likely includes more detailed testing and examination than the mass-production process of the new ones. I admit to being hesitant, having never purchased a refurbished anything before, but this unit is better than new in my opinion and now that I've got it and used it for a while, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. The one downside or issue I have with it is the lens-shift control. The controls for vertical and horizontal lens shift make use of rotating wheels (manually actuated) for the adjustments. Many projectors seem to work this way so I can't even be sure this issue is unique to Epson, but adjusting one axis, puts the other out of alignment. As an example, you'd think you could adjust the vertical axis, set it to the right height, then adjust the horizontal and be done – but no – you constantly need to go from one to the other making minor adjustments and correcting for unintentional adjustments that were made to one axis, while adjusting the other. It's a back and forth process that doesn't take that much time, but enough that its bothersome if you accidentally bump or nudge the projector. The "setting wheels" aren't that precise either – They work, and they are precise enough to get the picture set eventually, but its not as though there are set "clicks" or degrees – you're guessing at how much to rotate the wheel, and sometimes you end up over or under adjusting, yet seeming to use the same rotation on the wheel. Overall, it's not a big deal – maybe 5 minutes or so the first time and then you get the feel for it. I have mine sitting on a shelf now and the adjustments and settings seem to hold well.

I installed the pj and it worked great for 20 min. Then the lamp light came on with no picture to be seen. Tried again the same thing. Called epson recieved a new lamp and the same thing happend. 2 lamps not even a hour worth of movie watching...Do not buy epson. Visual apex will be sending me shipping info soon to send this unit back. Very frustrating to say the least.

Was this a gift?:

No

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

Merchant response: Refurbished projectors or any projector for that matter can have a problem. What matters is how the manufacturer handles the issue. Epson has the best return and repair policy in the business. Providing a new lamp fixes lamp warning issues. The next step would've been to replace the unit. Epson service is outstanding.

My Panasonic AE4000u died after only 3 years (repair cost $1800 on a $2000 projector) and I replaced it with the Epson 8700. We loved the Panny but the Epson outperforms it. Contrast and Brightness smash the Panny. I have a ceiling mount in a 7.5 foot room and Projector fan noise is critical. Epson in Eco mode is absolutely silent. As reported by others the Auto Iris is noticeable during quiet scenes but not a deal killer. The manual focus and lens shift is not as convenient as the Panny but we are set it and forget people. Took me only 30min to have it up and running on the existing ceiling mount. Very Happy with Epson so far.

I got the factory refurbished 8700UB and it was great right out the box. I keep planning to calibrate and dig into the modes and settings but I haven't even gotten around to it because the picture looks great. My theater is small, two rows of couches to seat 8 and a 90" cinema white screen, and it's completely light controlled, so that puts the projector and screen in the best possible scenario. I'm not competing with ambient light at all so I can't comment there. For this use, I highly recommend it. If you're competing with a tv in a bright room, then my guess is you'll have a hard time getting a projector/screen in this price range to compete.

The fan is audible, not too bad, and it generates heat. Probably typical. This is my first real home theater setup, and after a couple of months I'm still excited every time I start a movie.

New to projectors. I was very concerned about ambient light as using in Living Room. We have ceiling lights in front of and behind the projector. We can watch in the middle of the day with back lights on bright no problem, and even with side window half open. The living room setting is great for that and the lower settings are great for dark room movie watching. With the vapex motorized screen we spent less than a good 65" tv and with the screen up it is our living room not media room. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and Visual Apex was great to work with, and Karl was helpful without pressure. I wish all my purchases were like this one.

Hassle Free 30 Day Epson Home Theater Projector Return Policy

Home Theater Projectors must be returned using the FREE pre-paid shipping label provided by Visual Apex Customer Service. You must email customerservice@visualapex.com for a return authorization number. Original packing, accessories and manuals must be included. The original UPC Codes must be intact and no writing or excessive wear and tear on packaging. Projectors that do not meet these conditions are not returnable. Projectors that do not have an approved Return Authorization Number and do not use the FREE pre-paid shipping label will be refused. Upon Visual Apex evaluating the Home Theater Projector, you will receive a credit for the purchase price of the projector. Please allow 5-7 days for your refund to process.

If a projector is past 30 days of invoice it is not returnable.

ALL projectors will be repaired under the Manufacturer warranty.

Epson Projectors that are covered under our Home Theater Projector Return Policy

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